Residents evacuated after suspicious object found in Co Down

A number of residents in Downpatrick were evacuated from their homes following the discovery of a suspicious object.

Police attended the security alert in the Ballydugan Road area and have since declared it as a hoax.

The object has been removed and has been taken away for further forensic examinations.

Inspector Padraig Heatley said: “Shortly after 7am on Saturday, September 6, police received a report of a suspicious object located in an industrial estate in the area. Officers attended, along with Ammunition Technical Officers, and the object was later declared a hoax.

“The object has been removed and has been taken away for further forensic examinations.

"Residents who were evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return, and we are grateful for their cooperation and patience today.

“Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 271 of 6/9/25. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”